The Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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Some dishes just feel like home, don’t they? For me, it’s the sound of a pot bubbling on the stove and the smell of warm butter melting into soft potatoes that brings it all back; Sunday dinners at grandma’s table, where the mashed potatoes were always the star. Not too fancy, just simple goodness that made everyone linger a little longer over their plates.

Now, after spending years tweaking her way of doing things, I’ve got what I’d call The Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe to share with you. It’s creamy, it’s comforting, and it’s the kind of dish that turns a regular meal into something worth savoring. Grab your favorite pot and let’s make something special together.

See also: Easy Pizza Dough Recipe

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Mashed potatoes are a timeless staple for a reason, they’re versatile, delicious, and pair well with almost anything. This recipe keeps things simple but adds a few touches to make them extra special.

With creamy butter, rich heavy cream, and perfectly seasoned potatoes, you’ll get that melt-in-your-mouth texture every time. It’s also customizable, want garlic? Herbs? I’ve got you covered with variations later on.

Ingredients

To make this mashed potatoes recipe for about 4-6 servings, you’ll need the following:

2 lbs Russet potatoes (or Yukon Gold for a creamier texture)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk for a lighter option)
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is best)
Optional: 1-2 cloves garlic (minced, for a garlicky twist)
Optional: Fresh chives or parsley for garnish

These ingredients are pantry staples, but the quality matters. Fresh potatoes and good butter make all the difference.

Kitchen Equipment/Appliances Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this recipe:

Potato peeler – For peeling the potatoes quickly and efficiently.
Large pot – To boil the potatoes.
Colander – For draining the cooked potatoes.
Potato masher – For that classic chunky texture (or use a ricer for smoother results).
Saucepan – To heat the cream and butter.
Wooden spoon – For mixing everything together.

Having the right tools makes this recipe a breeze. If you’re missing any of these, check out the links to grab them from Amazon!

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Start by peeling your 2 lbs of Russet potatoes using a potato peeler. Once peeled, chop them into evenly sized chunks, about 1-2 inches. This ensures they cook at the same rate. Rinse the chunks under cold water to remove excess starch, which helps prevent a gummy texture.

Step 2: Boil the Potatoes

Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water, it seasons the potatoes as they cook. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 3: Drain and Dry

Once cooked, drain the potatoes using a colander. Return them to the hot pot and let them sit for a minute or two. This step dries out excess moisture, giving you fluffier mashed potatoes.

Step 4: Heat the Cream and Butter

In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Add ½ cup of heavy cream and warm it gently, don’t let it boil. Warming these ingredients prevents the potatoes from cooling down when you mix them in.

Step 5: Mash the Potatoes

Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes to your desired consistency. For a smoother texture, you can use a potato ricer. Slowly pour in the warm butter and cream mixture, mashing as you go. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Optional Add-Ins

For a garlicky kick, sauté 1-2 minced garlic cloves in the butter before adding the cream. Stir them into the mash. For freshness, chop some chives or parsley and sprinkle on top before serving.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer your mashed potatoes to a serving bowl and top with an extra pat of butter if you’re feeling indulgent. Serve warm and watch them disappear.

See also: Best Chicken Salad Recipe

Nutrition Facts

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):

Calories: 220 kcal
Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 410mg
Total Carbohydrates: 26g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin C: 15% of Daily Value (DV)
Calcium: 4% of DV
Iron: 6% of DV

These values can vary slightly depending on the exact amounts and brands of ingredients used. For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for milk to cut calories and fat.

Tips for the Best Mashed Potatoes

1. Choose the Right Potatoes

Russet potatoes are starchy and yield a fluffy texture, while Yukon Golds are creamier and buttery. Pick based on your preference!

2. Don’t Overmix

Mashing too much can release excess starch, making your potatoes gluey. Stop once they’re smooth or slightly chunky, whatever you like.

3. Warm Your Dairy

Cold butter or cream can cool the potatoes and affect texture. Warm them up first for the best results.

4. Season Generously

Potatoes love salt and pepper. Taste as you go to get the flavor just right.

Variations to Try

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Add sautéed garlic or roasted garlic for a bold, savory twist.

2. Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Stir in ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese for extra richness.

3. Herb-Infused Mash

Mix in fresh rosemary, thyme, or dill for an aromatic boost.

See also: Easy French Toast Recipe

Pairing Suggestions

Mashed potatoes are the ultimate side dish. Serve them with:

Grilled chicken or steak
Roasted vegetables like carrots or broccoli
A hearty gravy made with beef broth

For a lighter meal, pair them with a salad and feel good about your choices. Speaking of feeling good, if you’re looking to manage your weight while enjoying comfort food, check out Moringa Actives, a supplement designed to support weight loss and metabolism naturally.

Health Benefits of Potatoes

Potatoes get a bad rap sometimes, but they’re actually packed with nutrients. They’re a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber (especially with the skin on). The carbs provide quick energy, making them a solid choice for active folks.

To boost your fat-burning potential, try Fat Burn Active, a supplement with 11 natural ingredients to support your fitness goals.

Storing and Reheating

Storing

Leftover mashed potatoes? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. They’ll stay fresh and tasty.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave with a splash of milk or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a bit of butter to bring back that creamy texture.

See also: Healthy Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Why Homemade Mashed Potatoes Beat Instant

Sure, instant mashed potatoes are quick, but homemade wins every time. You control the ingredients, texture, and flavor, no powdery aftertaste here! Plus, it’s a labor of love that’s worth the effort. For an extra energy boost while cooking, try Cappuccino MCT, a slimming coffee that revs up your metabolism.

FAQs

1. Can I make mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare them up to a day in advance, store in the fridge, and reheat with a little milk or cream to keep them creamy.

2. What’s the best potato for mashing?

Russet potatoes are fluffy, while Yukon Golds are creamier. Both work great, choose based on your texture preference.

3. Can I freeze mashed potatoes?

Absolutely. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with extra butter.

4. How do I avoid gummy mashed potatoes?

Rinse the potatoes after cutting, don’t overmix, and avoid adding cold liquids. Warm your cream first!

5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, use vegan butter and a plant-based milk like almond milk instead of heavy cream.

Conclusion

This mashed potatoes recipe is your ticket to comfort food heaven. With simple ingredients like potatoes, butter, and cream, you can create a side dish that’s both easy and unforgettable. Whether you stick to the classic version or jazz it up with garlic or herbs, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

Pair it with your favorite mains, and don’t forget to store leftovers for a quick next-day treat. For a little extra help maintaining your goals, explore supplements like Keto Actives to support weight loss on a high-fat diet. Happy mashing.

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